Members of the steering committee of the Belarusian
Christian Democracy filed applications for the authorization of two rallies in
Brest: on 10 July – in support of political prisoner, BCD co-head Pavel
Seviarynets, and on 14 – under the slogan “Freedom to political prisoners!”

According to the official answers of the Brest City Executive Committee, the
rallies were banned as their route came close to the buildings of the Russian
and the Polish consulates, which allegedly contradicts to the Belarusian
legislation.

Moreover, two BCD activists, Uladzislau Barouski and Yauhen Khaziyakhmetau were
summonsed to the police and asked about participation in opposition movements. The
local police inspector who summonsed Barouski, stated that his main aim was to “get
acquainted”. What concerns Khaziyakhmetau – he was told that an opposition
banner had been hanged out not far from his place of residence, that’s why the
police was holding a check-up on the fact.

Zmitser Shurkhai, BCD coordinator in the Brest
region, stated that soon a new application for a procession will be filed, in
which all remarks of the local authorities will be taken into account.